More Than Two Decades of Books, Reading and Albyn Memories

Mrs Macpherson joined Albyn in 2004, when the school was still an all-girls school. Since then, she has seen significant changes across the school, including the arrival of boys, the growth of digital learning and major developments to the school buildings. The Warrack library itself has moved location five times during her time here.

Despite all this change, Mrs Macpherson believes the role of the library has remained just as important.

“Even with change, it’s always important to have a good book and a library as a safe haven.”

When Mrs Macpherson first arrived, one of her priorities was to computerise the libraries and encourage greater engagement with reading. She became involved in the Grampian Children’s Book Award, which Albyn participated in throughout its 20-year history, and established the lunchtime ‘Bookbusters club’ for younger pupils.

Over the years, her role has developed into much more than managing books and library resources. Helen has supported pupils across the school, from Preschool to S6, helping them find books, supporting their learning, contributing to displays and events, and providing a welcoming space for pupils to spend time.

“Every day is different,” Helen says. “I might be catching up with an S6 about their future plans, hearing about a P3’s birthday party at the weekend, maybe being shown a P2’s wobbly tooth, setting up some archive materials for a display, putting together a collection of books for teachers’ topics, making a new book display or helping pupils find a book in their AR level. I’ve never been bored!”

One of the highlights of Helen’s time at Albyn has been the school book club, where she has enjoyed getting to know pupils through their shared love of books, accompanied naturally by plenty of cake!

She has also organised author visits and created memorable World Book Day celebrations. A particular favourite was the Harry Potter-themed World Book Day, complete with theme music, cloaks, maps, invisible ink and codes for pupils to crack.

Helen’s work has also extended beyond the library to the school archives. She has particularly enjoyed discovering the stories of former pupils and learning about the remarkable lives they went on to lead.

Among the stories she has uncovered is that of the first woman to graduate in medicine from the University of Aberdeen, who was an Albyn pupil. Helen has also researched former pupils who became Egyptologists, scientists, suffragists, architects, golfers, mountaineers and artists.

“Hearing from FPs about their experience at Albyn in decades past is fascinating,” Helen says, “and the affection they feel for Albyn is unmistakable.”

For Helen, however, her proudest contribution has been making the libraries places where pupils feel welcome, relaxed and safe, and helping them discover books they might love.

There have been many memorable moments along the way. Just recently, a P7 pupil was “jumping up and down with excitement” when a book they had been waiting for became available. On another occasion, a former pupil stopped Helen in Asda to thank her for recommending a graphic novel which had influenced his final degree show at Gray’s School of Art.

These moments demonstrate the lasting impact a librarian can have, sometimes many years after a book has been borrowed and returned.

As she prepares to leave Albyn, Helen says it is the pupils she will miss most.

“Being surrounded by pupils, from Toddlers to S6s and everyone in between. It will be much quieter without you all.”

She also has a special message of thanks for the staff who have supported her many creative ideas over the years, from Masked Readers and favourite childhood books to book-cover classroom doors and desert-island book displays.

“The willingness and co-operation of Albyn staff is unmatched. I thank them all sincerely,” she says.

Looking ahead, Helen is looking forward to spending more time outdoors, seeing more of her family and, of course, finally being able to enjoy a holiday during term time!

We would like to thank Helen for more than two decades of dedication to Albyn. Through her enthusiasm for books, commitment to pupils and endless creativity, she has helped make our libraries welcoming and inspiring places for generations of pupils.

As Helen says: “Take care and keep reading.”

We certainly will Helen!